I'm writing this blogpost in the car while my husband drives us to the memorial service for my amazing nephew Benton Ferguson. It's Easter weekend, in my faith, the celebration of Jesus' resurrection, and the parallels are too obvious not to mention. Ben fully embodied the life, the music and the voice that lives on.

The family has had a year to process and come to terms with Ben's passing from brain cancer. There is a strange relief that without a doubt he is no longer suffering. He left a big universe of love from friends whose lives he deeply impacted, and that is now surrounding his mother, father, sisters and brother.

But here's the most wonderful thing: the sound of his voice, his deep singing resonance and natural understanding of style, and the very signature sound of his laugh --  these sounds will be carried forever by everyone who knew him. My favorite has to be his performance of the Lyle Lovett song 'Church'. If that didn't make you bob your head and smile, you needed to check your pulse! His heart's voice also extended to his stunning paintings as well as his writings. And he loved to dance!

Ben's voice made a huge impact during his short 28 years here. May all the music and other art we create and perform be deserving of living on. May we not balk but bravely speak and sing our truth and leave sweet refrains. May we remember with joy the voices of our precious ones who have passed as we color eggs, munch on chocolate bunnies, pass around a glass of wine and celebrate Resurrection. May broken hearts take comfort...because Love truly does live on.

Labels: Benton Ferguson, Easter, Judy Rodman